Fixing Garage Doors After Accidents and Collisions

Sep 26, 2024

DOOR REPAIR

Accidents happen, and sometimes they involve our garage doors. Whether it’s a bump from a car, damage from tools, or even a storm that knocks debris into it, a damaged garage door can be a hassle. Not only does it affect the appearance of your home, but it can also compromise the security of your property. If you’re in Bowmanville and find yourself in this situation, don’t worry—getting a garage door technician for your garage door repair in Bowmanville can be done quickly since it is essential to restoring functionality to your garage door and safety to your home. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps you need to take to get your garage door back in working order after an accident.

The Impact of Accidents on Garage Doors

Garage doors are built to be durable, but they’re not indestructible. Even a small accident can lead to significant issues. A car backing into the door can cause a dent, bend the tracks, or even damage the springs. Similarly, falling tools or other objects can dent or scratch the door panels. When your garage door is hit by something, it’s important to assess the damage immediately to see if you need residential garage door repair or if the damage extends to something more serious, like the opener or springs.

If you’ve had an accident and the door is stuck open or closed, it could also be an issue with the garage door springs or the tracks being knocked out of alignment. These are problems that require a professional garage door repair service to handle. For those who need commercial garage door repair, the risks of delays can be even higher, as a broken door can lead to lost business or security breaches.

Why Quick Action Is Important for Safety and Security

The most important reason to act quickly after garage door damage is safety. If the garage door springs are broken or the tracks are misaligned, your door could become dangerous to operate. A door that falls unexpectedly could cause injury, especially if the garage door spring replacement isn’t handled properly.

Security is another key concern. If your garage door isn’t closing all the way, it becomes a weak point in your home’s defenses. Repairing the door as soon as possible ensures that your belongings are safe, and your home remains secure. Emergency services often offer 24-hour garage door repair, which can be a lifesaver in these situations.

Acting fast also prevents further damage. For example, if the garage door weather stripping or the garage door bottom seal is damaged, water, dirt, and debris can get inside, causing rust or other wear and tear that will require a more costly repair later. Properly sealing the door with garage door weather seals can prevent this from happening.

Assessing the Damage

Once you’ve had an accident with your garage door, the first step is to inspect it to see how extensive the damage is. Some damage may be purely cosmetic, while other issues could affect the function of the door.

Structural Damage vs. Cosmetic Damage

Cosmetic damage includes dents, scratches, or chipped paint. While these imperfections can make your garage door look bad, they don’t necessarily stop it from working. In these cases, you might only need a simple repair, such as buffing out a dent or repainting the affected area.

On the other hand, structural damage, like broken springs or a bent track, will affect how the door operates. If you notice that the door isn’t opening or closing smoothly, the garage door repair may be more extensive. Always check the garage door springs and tracks to see if they’re bent, broken, or out of alignment.

Checking for Broken Springs, Cables, or Tracks

One of the most common issues after an accident is broken springs. The garage door springs help balance the weight of the door, and if they’re damaged, the door might not open or close properly. If the springs look broken or stretched out, it’s time to consider a garage door spring replacement.

Similarly, check the cables and tracks. If the cables are frayed or the tracks are bent, your door won’t operate smoothly. Fixing these issues often requires professional help because adjusting garage door springs or tracks can be dangerous without the right tools and experience.

Inspecting the Garage Door Opener and Sensors

Don’t forget to check the garage door opener. Sometimes, a collision can knock the opener out of alignment, or the sensors may be damaged. If the door isn’t responding to the opener, try resetting it. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call in a garage door technician for further inspection and repair.

The sensors at the bottom of the garage door are also crucial for safety. These sensors detect obstacles and prevent the door from closing if something is in the way. If the sensors were knocked out of alignment during the accident, the door might not close properly, or it could reverse unexpectedly. Realigning these sensors is a task that a garage door repair service can handle safely and quickly.

Steps to Fix Minor Damage

Not all garage door damage requires professional help. There are a few fixes you can attempt on your own if the damage is minor.

Fixing Small Dents and Scratches

If your garage door has small dents or scratches, you can sometimes fix these yourself. For dents, try using a plunger to pull the dent out. For scratches, you can touch up the paint or sand down rough spots before repainting.

If your door is insulated, make sure not to damage the insulation while repairing the dents. Garage door insulation helps regulate the temperature in your garage and improves energy efficiency, so it’s important to maintain it.

Realigning the Tracks if They Are Slightly Bent

If the tracks are only slightly bent, you may be able to realign them yourself. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap them back into place. However, if the bend is severe or the tracks are loose, it’s best to leave this to a garage door technician, as improper realignment can cause further damage.

Resetting the Garage Door Opener if It Was Disrupted

If your garage door opener isn’t working after an accident, try resetting it. Many openers have a reset button or process that can restore functionality. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it could be an issue with the opener’s motor or the sensors, in which case professional garage door repair in Bowmanville is necessary.

When Major Repairs Are Required

In some cases, the damage is too extensive for a quick fix. This is when you need to look at major repairs or even a full replacement.

Signs You Need to Replace Parts

If the door panels are severely dented or bent, it may be better to replace them rather than try to fix them. Similarly, if the rollers or springs are damaged, they should be replaced to ensure the door operates safely and smoothly. A garage door technician can assess whether you need new parts or if the damage is repairable.

Assessing Whether the Entire Door Needs Replacement

In extreme cases, the entire door may need to be replaced. If multiple panels are damaged or if the door’s structural integrity is compromised, a full replacement might be the most cost-effective solution. It’s essential to consult a garage door repair service to get a professional opinion on whether repair or replacement is the best option.

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Safety Precautions

Whenever you’re dealing with garage door repairs, safety should be your top priority. Here are a few key precautions to keep in mind.

Handling Broken Springs and Cables

Broken garage door springs and cables are dangerous to handle on your own. These parts are under a lot of tension, and mishandling them can result in injury. Always call a professional for garage door spring replacement or cable repairs to avoid accidents.

Ensuring the Garage Door Is Safe to Use After Repairs

Once the repairs are done, test the door to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Check that the garage door weather seal is intact to prevent drafts or debris from entering. Inspect the garage door bottom seal and the garage door rubber seal for any signs of damage or wear. If everything looks good, your door should be safe to use again.

Conclusion

Dealing with garage door damage after an accident can be stressful, but by following these steps, you can ensure that your door is repaired quickly and safely. Remember to act fast to prevent further damage and to keep your home secure. If you’re unsure about any part of the repair process, don’t hesitate to contact a professional garage door repair service.

At Minute Locksmith, we’re here to help with all your garage door repairs in Bowmanville, whether it’s an emergency repair or routine maintenance. We offer reliable, fast, and professional service to get your garage door working like new again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the tracks and sensors to ensure they’re aligned. If the issue persists, call for garage door repair in Bowmanville.

You can try realigning slightly bent tracks, but for major bends, it's best to hire a garage door technician.

This could indicate an issue with the garage door springs or a lack of garage door lubricant. A professional should inspect it.

If your garage is cold or hot depending on the weather, you may want to insulate the garage door to improve temperature control.

Regular garage door maintenance, including cleaning and applying a protective coat, can prevent rust.

Garage door spring replacement is typically needed every 7-9 years, but this depends on usage.

Yes, but the extent of repairs will depend on the damage. You may need to replace parts or the entire door.

Most garage doors have a manual release lever that allows you to open the door without power.